Texting And Driving Ban In Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls drivers could soon be ticketed for texting. A new city ordinance would ban texting and driving within city limits. Texting and driving is currently not prohibited by South Dakota law.

“It's not only a danger to the driver, but to other drivers and pedestrians,” Sioux Falls City Council Member Sue Aguilar said.

Aguilar helped sponsor the ordinance. She says the demand came from constituents. The city’s distracted driving ordinance would ban emails, tweets, Facebook use, and text messaging on all digital devices, including tablets and GPS units.

“We want to lead the charge. We feel that this is an important issue and we are willing to take the lead on this issue,” Aguilar said.

“I am not a big texter anyway, so I guess I don't do it a lot when I'm driving at all,” driver Denise Roskens.

But Roskens does admit that there are plenty of drivers on the streets who do text, especially when stopped at traffic lights.

“People are probably going to do it anyway, so I don't think it's that big of a deal. How's anybody going to know?” driver Tashia Ross asked.

If the rule change moves forward, police will be watching and they'll ticket anyone trying to get by.

The draft unanimously passed the city's public services committee Tuesday. It will now move on to the full city council.